Ongaku
Tokyo Jihen · 2021
45 min · 13 tracks · pop music
A vibrant fusion of jazz-inflected pop and rock, laced with complex arrangements and sophisticated melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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孔雀 — This opening track immediately establishes the album's eclectic sound with its rapid tempo and playful instrumentation, setting a bold tone for the collection.
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毒味 — With its catchy chorus and engaging rhythms, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge jazz influences with pop sensibilities, making it a standout piece.
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命の帳 — This song features introspective lyrics paired with a haunting melody, showcasing the band's lyrical depth and emotional range, which are central themes throughout Ongaku.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate songwriting and genre fusion but has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a dynamic track that features layered instrumentation, gradually introducing each element over the first minute.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as transitioning from a slow ballad to an upbeat section within the same song.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with gradual shifts
- playful melodies for light moments
- vibrant arrangements for active listening
- engaging tracks for focused sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Ongaku is Tokyo Jihen's fifth studio album, released after a six-year hiatus since their previous album, Dororo. The group had undergone a lineup change before this release, adding a fresh dynamic to their sound while maintaining their signature style. This album marks a significant return for the band, showcasing their evolution in both composition and lyricism.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cornelius· Shugo Tokumaru· Yuksek
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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毒味
A pivotal moment in the song shifts from playful banter to a more serious reflection on choices made in relationships.
This transition highlights the complexity of love and decision-making, contrasting light-heartedness with deeper emotional undertones.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 孔雀 1:59
- 2 毒味 4:03
- 3 紫電 3:38
- 4 命の帳 3:38
- 5 黄金比 4:17
- 6 青のＩＤ 3:44
- 7 闇なる白 3:03
- 8 赤の同盟 4:09
- 9 銀河民 4:08
- 10 獣の理 2:56
- 11 緑酒 4:06
- 12 薬漬 3:08
- 13 一服 2:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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